5 (And More) Things to Do In Sumter, SC

Sumter is a cute town located an hour from the capital, Columbia. It’s one of the closest towns you can base yourself in when visiting Congaree National Park (aside from Columbia) and other cute South Carolina towns in the area. Here is our guide to Sumter, SC, based on my personal experience. This is a good spot for a day trip or even a spot to stay overnight. 

More South Carolina Travel Inspiration:

• Guide to the South Carolina Botanical Gardens
• What to Expect at YallFest Book Festival in Charleston, SC
• 7 Things To Do In Clemson University (Open to the Public)
• 3 Best Hotels in Clemson, SC for a remarkable stay
• Things to Do in Sumter, SC

Things To Do in Sumter, SC 

I believe that every town, city, and country has new things that you can do and experience whenever you visit. Here are some suggestions on things to do in Sumter, SC, based on my personal experiences on a quick overnight trip. 

Swan Lake Iris Gardens

If you can only do one thing in Sumter, then it has to be Swan Lake Iris Gardens. This huge garden has every swan species living in the tranquil ponds and gardens. It also has a one-mile loop, with scenic views of the lake on one side and gardens and shrubbery on the other. 

Be careful with the geese when visiting. They could be very territorial, even if you are just following the path. Approach the path with caution if you find them on your path, or go around them if you can. They can get a bit loud when agitated, and they can chase you! 

Enter the gardens by going through the gate. Don’t worry if the gates are closed; it’s free of charge to enter, and they are unlocked during operating hours. 

Sumter Museum 

This small museum, located in downtown Sumter, has limited hours (only Thursdays to Saturdays from 11-4 as of this post), but if you are there when it’s open, I highly recommend you visit. The museum’s main exhibits are located in a historic home, with other historic buildings fitted around the city. There is a combination ticket that allows access to the two main buildings, and you can use the second ticket for 7 days after you have entered your first building. 

Walk around Sumter’s historic district 

For a free experience, walk around the historic district. You’ll get to see the quirky facades of the buildings and go inside the shops and restaurants if you wish. The walk will take a maximum of an hour, depending on how long you take photos or spend time browsing. 

Here are the notable buildings you can see during your walk: 

• Sumter Town Hall – Opera House City Hall
  • By the Sumter Town Hall and Opera House, there is a four-faced clock with Sumter written on top, reminiscent of the other historic clocks in other cities.
  • There’s also a small water feature that features a river flowing through a city, which is pretty cute. 
• Sumter County Courthouse (there’s free parking in front, but limited to 2 hours) 
• Sumter Original Brewery building 

Shopping in Sumter, SC 

Sumter has no chain stores, which makes it a great place to support local businesses and get your souvenir shopping done. Here are a few local shop suggestions to visit: 

• Silver Paper
• Naomi and Warner 

Lollibear: A Children’s Store in Sumter, SC

This store is the cutest in the area. When I visited, the store was decorated for Christmas, and was so visually appealing that you couldn’t help but stop and look inside. The store sells children’s clothing, books, and toys. Perfect for parents who want to reward their child with something or for grandparents wanting to give a gift for the grandbabies. The way the store is laid out is so appealing that it’s hard to come out empty-handed. 

Where to Stay in Sumter, SC 

Here are a few recommendations for hotels to stay in Sumter, SC. I’ve personally stayed in one of them and considered staying in the second. I’ve even walked around the lobby of the second hotel, and it feels like any other hotel in the chain, which is good if you’re looking for comfort and uniformity. 

Quixote Suites, Sumter, SC 

When I visited, this was a newly opened hotel in Sumter, SC. Quixote Suites was a bit harder to find since there were no signs above the door. The entrance is a nondescript door by the main street. 

There are no elevators, and all the rooms/suites are on the second floor. I wouldn’t exactly call the rooms an apartment since there is no refrigerator or way to cook or heat food, but the rooms are definitely spacious. There is a living area separate from the bed, and my gosh, that bed is comfortable. It felt like sleeping on a cloud since the bedding was so lush. 

There are two work areas where you can park your laptop and work. I did use one of the desks to work on, and it was comfortable to sit in for a few hours. 

A downside to this hotel is that if you are a light sleeper, please bring earplugs. The rooms are off the main street, so you may hear a bit of noise. One of the work/dining desks is by the window as well, so definitely not the most conducive place to attend an online meeting, even with headphones on. 

Drinks are free if you go to the common area. The fridge has both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, and guests are free to pop in and out of the common area anytime they please. 

There is no formal reception area. The place runs like an Airbnb, where you get a set of instructions on how to check in, get the keys, and check out instructions sent to your email. 

Hyatt Place Sumter, SC

Not everyone likes to stay in an Airbnb-type accommodation, so we thought we’d include the Hyatt Place option for those who prefer staying in traditional hotels. The Hyatt Place is also located on the Main Street of Sumter, a few steps away from Quixote Suites. 

The parking lot is located adjacent to the hotel, with parking garage or open lot parking available, making it easy to get from the car to the room. Of course, another plus is that this hotel allows points redemptions. 

Where to Eat in Sumter, SC 

Here are a few recommendations for where to eat in Sumter, SC. Surprisingly, the food scene here is excellent, but note that small towns do have quirky hours, where they may close after lunch and reopen for dinner. Double-check the hours of these restaurants by calling or going on their respective websites before you go. 

Gahnzales 

Craving Mexican food? This place is just off the Sumter parking garage. The restaurant is distinctive because of the gas lanterns hanging outside. The food is Mexican: serving nachos, tacos, and even featuring a margarita bar.

This is a higher-end Mexican place only open for dinner, and prices range from $30-50 a person, depending on what items you’ll order. Like the Hamptons, it can get busy on weekends, so best to reserve a table in advance. 

Hamptons

The Hamptons is another high-end sit-down restaurant, but this restaurant offers lunch specials. The food at lunch provided an ample serving for the price you pay. The food I ordered was actually enough for lunch and dinner!

The restaurant has a first and a second floor, so if you can, try to get a second-floor seat. The restaurant is popular, especially on weekends, so you may need a reservation to sit down and eat. Lunchtime does get busy, but not to a point where you need to reserve. Heads up: this restaurant closes at 2 pm and reopens at 5 pm for dinner service. 

This restaurant is a great date-night spot for its ambiance and gorgeous interior decorations. 

Main Street Tavern 

American food with live bands some days. If you try to get out through the back entrance of Don Quixote, you may end up in the outdoor dining area of the restaurant. Great if the gate is open, not so great if the restaurant is still closed, since you’ll end up backtracking to go through the front entrance of Don Quixote. Main Street Tavern serves American fare like burgers and fries, and has a bar vibe inside. 

Side Bar 

Craving BBQ? Sumter has one for you. Side Bar is noted for its signage and its BBQ. My flat at Don Quijote fronts the signage of this restaurant, and even though the main dining room is underneath my room, I barely heard or smelled anything from the restaurant below! 

Sumter original brewery 

This brewery looks new, and has the barrels where they brew beer onsite. Expect craft beer and American fare to be served in their dining area as well. 

Baker’s Sweets Bistro and Bakery 

This bakery had so many yummy things that it was hard to leave empty-handed. The store also serves coffee daily, and there are plenty of spots to sit. Heads up, the bakery does close early (open only on weekdays from 7 am to 3 pm), so you can pop by here in the morning or after lunch for a coffee and a snack to go before exploring the city. 

Confectionery and Company 

Part store, part bakery, confectionery, and Company offers coffee, pastries, and sandwiches in the morning and at lunch. The store sells kitchenware and other home goods. Perfect for a honey feel. 

5+ Things To Do in Sumter, SC

Of course, you have the chain stores and bigger hotels by the outskirts of town, but our guide to Sumter focuses on the unique and more local places. Let me know if there’s anything else I missed. A special thank you to Discover South Carolina and Santee-Cooper Country for hosting me on this trip.